Makati city: The Ukrainian government is preserving the rights of all prisoners of war (POWs) in the ongoing conflict with Russia, its ambassador to the Philippines said Thursday, following reports that six Filipinos allegedly recruited as mercenaries for the Russian side are being held by Kyiv.

According to Philippines News Agency, Ukrainian Ambassador Yuliia Fediv emphasized adherence to international law, stating, "We follow international law. That is what we have been espousing - the rule of law," in a chance interview during the Stratbase ADR Institute forum in Makati City. Fediv assured that POWs in Ukraine are treated humanely, in line with international humanitarian law.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier confirmed that seven Filipinos were recruited to fight for the Russian side, one of whom died during an assault in Kramatorsk District in the Donetsk region. The remaining individuals are being held by Ukraine as POWs.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona chose not to disclose details about the assistance being facilitated for the Filipinos but confirmed that the department is in communication with authorities from both Ukraine and Russia, including the Red Cross. The DFA, citing information from the POWs' families, stated that the recruits were mostly lured through 'very deceptive' online job offers.